Coconut Oil Pulling with the Dr. Karach Oil Pulling Method

We use coconut oil in our homes and at the office for everything from cooking and baking to moisturizing skin. Allison even has a coconut oil jar dedicated for her dog, Artie. She adds the oil to his food to keep his skin moisturized too! One of our favorite daily uses is oil-pulling. Here’s the method we use, based on the recommendations of Dr. F. Karach, a Ukranian physician. Dr. Karach used this detoxification practice with much success, beginning in the 1990s.

The Dr. Karach Oil Pulling Method

An Ayurvedic Detoxification Treatment

Dr. Karach prescribed this method for oil-pulling to help his patients with a variety of immune disorders. He found amazing results, especially in patients who were detoxifying petroleum solvents. Petroleum solvents are lipophilic (fat-loving) and will be readily absorbed into the oil. Also, toxic metals/minerals form soap complexes with the oil, and can be easily eliminated through spitting the oil out.

Reported Benefits of Coconut Oil Pulling

Natural whitening of the teeth

Cleaner, fresher breath

Reduced plaque on the teeth

Overall increased oral health

Increased physical well being

Reduced chemical load – easy detoxification

Greater mental awareness

Decreased pain and joint stiffness

Reduced sinus infections

Reduced migraines and other headaches

Reduced kidney and liver stress

Reduced bacteria in the mouth*

*By reducing the bacteria in the mouth, coconut pulling reduces the bacteria that enters the bloodstream. And because there has been a direct link between dental or gum infection and heart disease, the reduction of bacteria through oil pulling is another measure to consider for protecting the heart.

Dr. Karach Oil Pulling Procedure

In the morning, before drinking any liquids (including water) or eating breakfast, take 1 Tablespoon organic coconut oil in the mouth, but do not swallow. Optional – for extra teeth whitening and antibacterial action – open a capsule or two of Activated Charcoal into the mouth as well.

Swish the oil around your mouth and through your teeth. Continue to “chew” the oil and mix it with your saliva for 10-20 minutes. Do not throw your head back to gargle the oil.

After 10-20 minutes, spit it into the trash or other container (avoid the sink or toilet because the coconut oil may solidify in your pipes).

After expelling the oil, immediately brush your gums, teeth and tongue with warm salt or salt + soda water. Then gargle and spit with the remaining salt or salt/soda water.

Notes: Never swallow the oil – if gagging occurs and it seems difficult start with a smaller amount of oil and work up to a larger amount. Chewing activates the enzymes, which draws toxins out of the blood. And in 10-20 minutes, the blood from the entire body has had the opportunity to circulate through and around the mouth. After 10-20 minutes the oil should be thinner and white. If it is still yellow, you have not held it in your mouth long enough. Oil pulling for 10 minutes the first week is usually sufficient, then increase to 15-30 minutes as the oil becomes clearer. If desired for faster detoxification – repeat this procedure two to three times a day, before meals, on an empty stomach.

We recommend Artisana raw, organic coconut oil for detoxification. We like their raw coconut oil because it is never heated over 120°F, and it is non-hydrogenated, GMO-free, and cholesterol-free. By adhering to an organic standard, Artisana never uses pesticides or chemicals on the coconut trees nor as additives into the final oil. The medium-chain fatty acids in the oil break down very efficiently in the body, giving you an immediate energy source!

Other Suggested Uses for Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is extremely versatile – you can use it many different ways in your cooking and to replace multiple personal care products. Raw coconut oil retains the original enzymes, proteins, and vitamins, which can be more easily absorbed and utilized by your body. The is particularly important if you are using the coconut oil topically or digesting it raw, rather than cooking with it. However , a benefit of coconut oil is that it’s great to use for cooking, event at high temperatures for dishes like stir-fries.

For baby:

all-over moisturizer

diaper cream

cradle cap

For kids and adults:

body and foot scrub: mix with sugar as a body scrub or with salt to remove dry skin from your feet

Recently featured in Currently Loving:

is a co-founder of Branch Basics. Raised in a home with all things conventional, it wasn’t until college that she experienced the power of living in an environment free of harmful chemicals and eating according to the principles of Food as Medicine. All of the “normal” problems Kelly had experienced most of her life: dry and itchy eyes, painful menstrual cramps, joint pain, and even body odor disappeared! Turns out they don’t have to be normal after all, and Kelly is passionate about helping others thrive, not just survive. She lives in Jackson, MS where she loves making heathly breakfasts for her husband and daughter, grounding, and jumping on the trampoline with her husband and daughter. But she’ll always be a Louisiana girl at heart!

I have been doing coconut oil pulling for about 10 months following an extensive cavity under my crown and crown replacement. Did not take antibiotics and mouth healed fine. Also have not had a sinus infection for over a year.( I also use warm water with baking soda and salt nasal rinse using Neil product plastic bottle)

Hi Nicole,
For people who follow the Blood Type Diet, certain foods (including oils) are recognized as either beneficial or not compatible, depending on their blood types. If you’re interested, you can find more about the diet online and there are several helpful books available.

Hi Maryanne,
Thanks for your comment. Since your body temperature is warmer than the melting point for coconut oil, you shouldn’t ever have a problem with the oil turning into a solid if you are consuming it. However, your pipes are often below the temperature at which coconut oil melts, so you may have an issue with the oil building up inside your plumbing system. You are also able to digest and metabolize the oil far better than your pipes!

Okay, I love the idea of this as I am dealing with a recurring sinus infections. However, 10 to 20 minutes? That blows my mind! Do your jaws not get incredibly sore? And what do you do for 10 minutes while you are swishing? This is a crazy concept for someone who’s not familiar with it 🙂

Amy, we understand it sounds a little crazy at first! However, it’s actually not so bad. I like to grab a spoonful of coconut oil before I hop in the shower in the morning. Slowly swish or chew as you shower – your mouth won’t get as tired as you think. By the time you’re done with your shower, you simply spit out the oil and rinse well! You could easily do this during any part of your morning routine!

Hi Mary!
We don’t really make recommendations on the Blood Type diet, but you can read more here (http://www.dadamo.com/) to determine if you want to follow the guidelines and which oils might be best for you. Coconut is not the only oil that can be used for oil-pulling. Sesame also works well! According to the principles of the Blood Type diet, certain people tolerate certain foods different, including oils.

Hot water and dawn dish soap would probably help to degrease the pipes. Also, lemons could help, but the hot water is what will melt the oil. You would need to run it for awhile so that the oil will get out of the pipes.

The issue you want to control is mouth bacteria, right? There is no oil that kills mouth-born pathogens! Prove me wron by petrie dish rests!

Instead, go for the jugular of pathogens by soaking your mouth with Hydrogen Peroxide. Sure it hurts at first when all those nasties down between gums and teeth are being murdered, but the zero tooth decay, zero internal diseases, such as colds and flu you DON’T get with regular soaking make that a very small disconfort!

Been doing this 6 years – not a single cold or flu, and NO TOOTH DECAY!